TREASURY Minister Anne Craine says that the latest unemployment figures have shown a reduction for the first time this year and she hopes they are a good sign for the future.

Figures released at lunchtime today showed that the Island’s unemployment figure fell by 48 during April, to stand at 843. It’s the lowest figure so far this year.

Mrs Craine said, “After successive monthly increases in the level of unemployment over the first quarter of the year it is good to see the reversal in that trend.

“Seasonal factors should now come into play, with more jobs becoming available within the hospitality sector, for instance, so I am hopeful that unemployment can be held at current levels.”

The annual rate of inflation during April remained the same at 6.7%, while the rate excluding housing costs fells from 7.6% to 7.2%.

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual rate of inflation showed a decrease from 6.6% to 6.4%.

Mrs Craine added, “After seven consecutive months in which the annual rate of inflation has gone up, it is something of a relief to see it holding steady in April.

“But there are still significant pressures on prices, for foodstuffs and fuel in particular, so it is not possible to say that the inflation rate has now peaked.”